Sam Francis

Untitled, 1984

106.7 X 73 inch

What is Gutai?

What is Gutai?

Gutai was a group of Japanese radical artists who formed the Gutai Art Association in 1954. The word Gutai translates to embodiment. The group was known for creating art on the spot for live audiences, often incorporating their own physical movements. Their performances included actions like throwing paint, piercing paper, and rolling in mud, emphasizing the direct interaction between the body and the material.

Plate

A plate is a broad, primarily flat vessel used for serving food, but it can also serve ceremonial or decorative purposes. Plates are typically circular, though they can be any shape and made from various water-resistant materials. Most plates have raised edges, either by curving upward or featuring a wider lip. Vessels without a raised edge or with a more rounded profile are often considered bowls or dishes, while very large, plate-shaped vessels might also be classified as dishes.

Wire

Wire is a single strand or rod of flexible metal. It has been used since ancient times to make chains and jewelry decorations. Wire comes in various thicknesses and can be bent, braided, and cut using wire tools to create sculptures, assemblages, and mobiles. Different metals, such as copper, aluminum, and steel, are commonly used for wire art.

Mezzotint

Mezzotint is a printmaking technique in which a copper or steel plate is roughened to produce a solid black print. The artist smooths specific areas of the plate to create a range of tones, from deep blacks to delicate grays and whites. By varying the degree of smoothing, the artist can achieve detailed gradations of light and shadow, resulting in prints with rich, velvety textures and subtle transitions between light and dark.

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